Non-Profit

Why We’re Optimistic About the Future of East Central Indiana

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—For over a century, East Central Indiana’s identity was rooted in manufacturing—iconic names like Ball and General Motors defined our region. Glass jars, auto batteries, headlamps, and transmissions were the backbone of our economy. However, over the past two decades there’s been a shift away from heavy manufacturing, tasking our region to dig deep to redefine itself. As we look ahead, I’m filled with optimism about the future of Muncie, Delaware County, and all of East…

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Muncie’s White River Cleanup Invites All to Volunteer

By Augusta Isley— MUNCIE, IN—Since 2006, Muncie-Delaware Clean & Beautiful and the Muncie Sanitary District have rallied over 5,000 volunteers to eliminate 150,000 pounds of trash (including over 950 tires) from the White River. This Saturday, September 14, volunteers are invited to gather at West Side Park in Muncie to continue the tradition of beautifying the river. Families, student clubs, workplaces, churches, and other organizations are encouraged to volunteer together. The event is from 8 a.m. to noon. Please remember…


Muncie Civil Air Patrol Open House to be Held on September 17

By Diana McDonnel, Public Affairs Officer— MUNCIE, IN—Have you ever wanted to fly an airplane?  If so then the Civil Air Patrol is for you.  What is the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)? Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary branch of the Air Force (with no military commitment following graduation). We focus on pillars of community service, emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet leadership. Cadets must be 12 years old to join.  Civil Air Patrol is open to boys and girls….


George and Frances Ball Foundation Grants $1.1 Million This Quarter

By Kelsey Harrington— MUNCIE, IN—Founded in 1937, the George and Frances Ball Foundation has spent the last 87 years upholding the legacy of George, Frances, and Elisabeth Ball. The Foundation uses its role as a grantmaker to reflect the family’s passions rooted in improving livability and educational attainment for citizens in Muncie and Delaware County. This commitment to local livability and education is displayed year-round through the Foundation’s community engagement activities and partnerships, including its work serving as the backbone…


Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Helping Individuals With Disabilities Lead an Independent Life

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN – In 2013, Ball Brothers Foundation made an $80,000 grant to The Arc of Indiana Foundation to support architectural drawings for what would become the nation’s first-of-a-kind hotel that would also serve as a training institute for individuals with disabilities located in downtown Muncie. Named “Erskine Green Training Institute”—in part after baseball legend Carl Erskine—EGTI has become a hallmark in downtown Muncie.  In the years since, Ball Brothers Foundation funding has helped to support EGTI’s…


Chamber’s National Civics Bee® Winners Compete in State Competition

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 National Civics Bee® in Delaware County on April 9, 2024. The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hunter R., Noah C., and Braxton J. were named the top three finalists of Delaware County’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Hunter R. from…


Grants Totaling $312K Awarded By Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County awarded $312,509 in Community Grants this week. Community Grants provide nonprofit organizations serving Muncie and Delaware County with the opportunity to apply for funding to support their work. Grants are awarded to address the broad needs of Muncie and Delaware County in arts and culture, community betterment, economic development, education, and human services. Organizations interested in applying for funding are encouraged to connect with the Foundation’s Program and…


Small Business Development Center Welcomes Three New Team Members

By Christy Ragle— MUNCIE, IN—The East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently announced the addition of three new team members, each bringing a unique set of skills and experience to the organization. These new employees will help East Central Indiana SBDC continue to provide essential support and resources to small businesses in the region. Clint Albert, the new Program Specialist at the East Central Indiana SBDC, brings a decade of experience as an insurance agent and in leadership…


Ball Brothers Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Q&A with the YMCA of Muncie

By Jud Fisher— MUNCIE, IN—  In April 2023, the YMCA of Muncie announced plans to construct a new 73,000-square-foot facility on the Muncie Central High School campus to consolidate its previous locations and ensure better reinvestment in equipment and programs to meet community needs. After a successful capital campaign supported by many organizations, including Ball Brothers Foundation, construction is underway and exciting developments are taking shape. Learn more about the plans for the new YMCA of Muncie facility and the…


Jim Rosema Named 2024 Recipient of The Community Foundation’s David Sursa Leadership Award

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN – The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County has announced that Jim Rosema received the 2024 David Sursa Leadership Award to recognize his dedicated service to Muncie Mission. Jim Rosema was nominated by Muncie Mission for his role as a board member and a guiding force for nearly 34 years. During those years, Jim served in every officer position, including as President of the Board for more than a decade. His service has paralleled…